In 1996, the Garden Club of Georgia launched the annual Historic House and Garden Pilgrimage to help raise funds to support a matching grant for the restoration of historic, non-profit, public landscapes and gardens in Georgia. In 1998, after two successful Pilgrimages, the fund had enough money to award the first round of Historic Landscape and Garden Grants. Grants have been awarded every year since, and to date sixty-eight landscapes have received matching grants totaling more than $115,000.

In 2011, instead of the Pilgrimage, a lecture was held at McElreath Hall of the Atlanta History Center through the kind support of the Cherokee Garden Library, featuring award-winning author Andrea Wulf.

In May of 2012, Laurel District is hosting a full day tour and lunch at the newly opened Gibbs Gardens in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains.

The goals of the Historic Landscape and Garden Grants are to:

• Promote awareness of Georgia's historic landscapes and gardens
• Encourage preservation of threatened historic landscapes and gardens
• Provide seed money to assist organizations and communities in developing sound landscape preservation projects which provide public benefit

2012 Historic Preservation of Gardens and Sites Fundraiser

Gibbs Gardens estate, Ball Ground, Ga.

The Laurel District is pleased to present this year's Historic Landscape and Garden Grant Fundraiser, a full day tour and lunch at the gorgeous Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, on May 11th. All proceeds from this tour will benefit the Garden Club of Georgia's Historic Landscape and Garden Grant Fund that awards grants for the restoration of historic non-profit landscapes and gardens in Georgia.

The Gibbs Gardens estate has long been a favorite place of gardeners lucky enough to receive an invitation for a personal tour from Jim Gibbs, the owner, designer and developer. Two hundred and twenty acres of gardens are set in a mature forest in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains. The rolling hills, abundance of springs and streams and mature shade trees create a truly unique backdrop for these unforgettable gardens. The seamless integration of nature and artistic design provides a breathtaking canvas for Gibbs's four feature gardens.

Download more information and reservation form.

Historic House and Garden Pilgrimage

2009 Pilgrimage: Featuring Homes and Gardens of Waynesboro

On May 2, 2009, the 14th annual Historic House and Garden Pilgrimage was held in Waynesboro, just 25 miles south of Augusta in Burke County. Hosted by Burkeland Garden Club under the sponsorship of the Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and the Historic Preservation Division of Georgia Department of Natural Resources, this pilgrimage promised to be one of the best—and it was.

The Waverly, circa 1885, with its Greek Revival portico and outstanding walled gardens, is a study in tranquility. Boxwood hedges define the formal garden spaces which are graced by mature camellias, azaleas, and other plantings.

The Steadman House, circa 1917, was built in the Spanish Mission style. It boasts a welcoming open front porch graced with container plants. Dogwood trees, camellia bushes and seasonal planting abound within a wrought iron fenced yard.

The Callaway House, circa 1896, has extensive and varied plantings which provide a garden oasis only blocks from downtown Waynesboro. Pathways and ornamentals in the newer back garden add to its beauty.

Preserving Our Landscape Heritage

The Georgia Historic Landscape Initiative

The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. has been actively involved with various aspects of preserving the landscape heritage in the state of Georgia. Through a collaborative effort with the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Southeast Regional Office of the National Park Service, and the Cherokee Garden Library at the Atlanta History Center, GCG is helping inventory and document historic landscapes in Georgia that are listed in Garden History of Georgia, 1733-1933. This information will be housed in the Cherokee Garden Library and will serve as a resource for restoration endeavors. To review the current list of completed surveys, please follow this link. This research aid is available through the Atlanta History Center's Kenan Research Center website as well as Galileo.

Individuals who would like to volunteer to work with the Cherokee Garden Library or the Georgia Historic Landscape Initiative can access the survey form and an instruction sheet with a completed sample form by clicking on the respective link:

• Blank Survey Form
• Hints on Completing the Survey (with sample completed survey)

Preservation Partner

A GCG donation category for members and clubs who would like to support historic landscape preservation efforts within our state is available. Those clubs donating $25 or more to this program will receive a "Partner of Preservation" certificate. For donations of $100 or more, a "Patron of Preservation" certificate will be awarded. Make checks payable to GCG and mail to:

Jane Whiteman
6590 Long Acres Drive
Sandy Springs, GA 30328-3018
jamawhit@bellsouth.net
404-252-4473

For your convenience, use the Historic Preservation Donation Voucher when sending your check.

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